Landlord Accused of Whipping Tenant for Falling Behind on Rent

Ohio man charged with assault

A leader of the Waynesville, Ohio, business community is in trouble for allegedly using corporal punishment on a man who didn’t pay his rent.

Ron Kronenberger — who was Wayneville’s 2006 Citizen of the Year and a former president of the Chamber of Commerce — is accused of allegedly whipping the tenant because he owed Kronenberger $2,800 in back rent, reports the Dayton Daily News.

The tenant told police that he submitted to the beating — which took place in Kronenberger’s office — because he was frightened and wanted to get it over with. According to the police report, Kronenberger told the tenant, “If you’re going to act like a child, I’m going to treat you like one,” prior to the beating.

Kronenberger, who has no prior criminal record, is charged with one misdemeanor count of assault in the incident. He is free without bond and has been ordered by the court to have no contact with the tenant. His next date with the court in Feb. 27.